Peter Hillman (Leader) Seaton Delaval. Tele 0191 237229
Tony Reid (Deputy Leader) Prudhoe. Tele 01661 834000
Jim Wright ( Ellington) Tele 01670 860955
Bill Brooks (patio man. Blyth) Tele 01670 355123
J Smith ( Ashington) Tele 01670 533789
I Hayes (Cramlington) Tele 01670 736079
Mrs D Luke (Cramlington) Tele 01670 714822
M J Scullion ( Ashington) Tele 01670 851826
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
CAMBELL SEEKS INQUIRY ON ACADEMY
News Post Leader
By HELEN SMITHSON
BLYTH Valley MP Ronnie Campbell has appealed to the Government for a public inquiry into the controversial plans for an all-age academy in Blyth.
Mr Campbell has written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, MP Hazel Blears, calling an independent inspection into the proposals and decide whether a public inquiry is necessary.In a letter to the Ms Blears, Mr Campbell raised concerns about Northumberland County Council handling the application, because the authority are in favour of the academy, and it is the county council's planning department that will decide on the proposals.An initial appeal for a public inquiry was rejected, but Mr Campbell has urged the minister to 'think again' about recalling the proposals.He told the News Post Leader: "This is a county council application, and the county council's planning department is going to be deciding on the matter."As far as that authority is concerned, we are going to get an academy whether we like it or not."The council's planning department should
not be deciding on its own plans."I think democracy should come before all else, and this is biased."A Northumberland County Council spokeswoman said: "Northumberland County Council has taken legal advice, and is therefore satisfied that it is the appropriate authority to determine these applications."The Secretary of State has been asked to call in the applications, and has declined to intervene. She has concluded that there is no sufficient reason to justify calling in the application."The County Council's Executive remains confident that this remains a great opportunity for children and young people in Blyth to benefit from multi-million pound new school facilities."The planning and regulation committee earlier this month has deferred a decision on the Ridley application in order that there could be further examination of issues raised by some local residents."
By HELEN SMITHSON
BLYTH Valley MP Ronnie Campbell has appealed to the Government for a public inquiry into the controversial plans for an all-age academy in Blyth.
Mr Campbell has written to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, MP Hazel Blears, calling an independent inspection into the proposals and decide whether a public inquiry is necessary.In a letter to the Ms Blears, Mr Campbell raised concerns about Northumberland County Council handling the application, because the authority are in favour of the academy, and it is the county council's planning department that will decide on the proposals.An initial appeal for a public inquiry was rejected, but Mr Campbell has urged the minister to 'think again' about recalling the proposals.He told the News Post Leader: "This is a county council application, and the county council's planning department is going to be deciding on the matter."As far as that authority is concerned, we are going to get an academy whether we like it or not."The council's planning department should
not be deciding on its own plans."I think democracy should come before all else, and this is biased."A Northumberland County Council spokeswoman said: "Northumberland County Council has taken legal advice, and is therefore satisfied that it is the appropriate authority to determine these applications."The Secretary of State has been asked to call in the applications, and has declined to intervene. She has concluded that there is no sufficient reason to justify calling in the application."The County Council's Executive remains confident that this remains a great opportunity for children and young people in Blyth to benefit from multi-million pound new school facilities."The planning and regulation committee earlier this month has deferred a decision on the Ridley application in order that there could be further examination of issues raised by some local residents."
Sunday, October 14, 2007
12 SEATS AT RISK AT NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL
There are certain givens in all of this.
Within ‘Follies’ we have done the work on the wards – there are 12 at serious risk of turning to Liberal and one or two Tory.
All that Labour can hope for will be to be returned as the largest group in a NOC Council.
The likelihood is however that the Liberals and Tories will join forces.
Standing on a ticket of ‘ give the people a referendum’ the ‘Torlibs’ as one member called their alliance, cannot fail can they?
Looks whats happened in Cheshire – one council changed hands and the whole review has been stopped in its tracks.
District councillors, furious at the stab in the back from previous comrades will not support the return of those responsible for this debacle – particularly if Labour North bends the rules again.
This is the Labour North who still refuse to sanction a return to the party system with a County Party, preferring to wait and see if the NEC will allow themselves to appoint candidates.
Follies foresees a plethora of Independent Labour Councillors supporting the referendum ticket, we do not wish to see this.
Those few, those very few, who pursue the ideal of One Council have a ‘tiger by the tail’.
My regards to all my comrades.
Isoceles – a new voice for democracy.
Within ‘Follies’ we have done the work on the wards – there are 12 at serious risk of turning to Liberal and one or two Tory.
All that Labour can hope for will be to be returned as the largest group in a NOC Council.
The likelihood is however that the Liberals and Tories will join forces.
Standing on a ticket of ‘ give the people a referendum’ the ‘Torlibs’ as one member called their alliance, cannot fail can they?
Looks whats happened in Cheshire – one council changed hands and the whole review has been stopped in its tracks.
District councillors, furious at the stab in the back from previous comrades will not support the return of those responsible for this debacle – particularly if Labour North bends the rules again.
This is the Labour North who still refuse to sanction a return to the party system with a County Party, preferring to wait and see if the NEC will allow themselves to appoint candidates.
Follies foresees a plethora of Independent Labour Councillors supporting the referendum ticket, we do not wish to see this.
Those few, those very few, who pursue the ideal of One Council have a ‘tiger by the tail’.
My regards to all my comrades.
Isoceles – a new voice for democracy.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Tiger by the Tail
It is some time since that fateful day in July when a corrupt system won over democracy and the Government announced, against the clear and overwhelming views and wishes of the people of Northumberland, that a new single council would be the ‘preferred’ choice or that they were ‘minded’ to go that way.Follies is not going to ‘have another go’, just yet, at the County Council, but just to give an indication where a handful of Labour Councillors have took the Labour Party.
When Billy’Patio ‘ Brooks shot out of the starting blocks last year to denigrate anything to do with the district councils, everyone applauded him at County Hall.
A lot of Labour councillors thought it would mean a continuation of their council, their lifestyles, their allowances!
This belief we found last weekend, is still prevalent amongst our comrades at County Hall.
How simple can it be – this is a brand new council all there will be is EX County Councillors and EX District Councillors, who will compete for the seats in the NEW authority alongside all other members who are entitled to stand.
It will be impossible to have a DESELECTION as this will be a brand new council.
There are certain givens in all of this.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Sacked council worker wins fight to clear his name
Sacked council worker wins fight to clear his name
Former council leader Bill Brooks.
By HELEN SMITHSON
A NORTHUMBERLAND County Council worker sacked for gross misconduct amid allegations of moonlighting at the council leader's home has emerged victorious in the fight to clear his name.
Highways foreman Nigel Riley was dismissed in 2005 after using his council vehicle to deliver sand to a house in Blyth where his colleague Joe Fletcher was building a new driveway.Unbeknown to both men, the house was the home of then council leader Bill Brooks, whose wife had commissioned Mr Fletcher to carry out the job, not realising that he was a council employee.Coun Brooks discovered the workers' identities when a neighbour showed him a photograph of Mr Riley's van.Both men were sacked after an internal investigation by the authority.But Mr Riley claimed unfair dismissal and took the council to an employment tribunal at Newcastle in June.The authority came under heavy criticism for the way it handled the 250-hour internal investigation, and was accused of protecting Coun Brooks after initially denying investigators the opportunity to question him.At various points through the investigation, Mr Riley was accused of stealing sand, being involved with the contract, fraud, and altering vehicle records.His representative, Robert Gibson, accused the council of "chucking the kitchen sink" at Mr Riley, and described the incident as 'embarrassing' for the authority.He said Mr Riley had been used as a scapegoat to save the council's blushes.But the tribunal panel has now revealed a unanimous decision that Mr Riley had been unfairly dismissed.A county council spokesman said the authority was surprised and disappointed by the judgement and will be lodging an appeal against the decision.He added: "The tribunal did find that Mr Riley assisted in the misuse of a council vehicle, and claimed overtime payment when he was not actually working for the council."The
council believes that this amounts to a serious breach of trust between employer and employee, and we take the view that this is a highly inappropriate way for any member of staff to behave."We completely refute any suggestion that the council was trying to protect Coun Brooks during the investigation."The claimant did not allege, and the tribunal did not find, that Coun Brooks was involved in anything untoward, and our investigation did not show this."Coun Brooks said: "I knew nothing about the identity of this worker and I didn't have any reason to suspect a link to the council."My wife rang him when he was recommended to her."I was in favour of a full investigation and was glad to co-operate fully."The person who reported this did the right thing, and I take what has happened very seriously."The public need to have confidence and trust in public servants."
Friday, September 14, 2007
Worker wins sacking on the Ex leader patio job
Hope you all saw Look North Last night Brooks house on the news and his car we believe
Worker wins sacking row
Sep 14 2007
by Dave Black, The Journal
A HIGHWAYS foreman who was sacked after allegedly moonlighting at the home of Northumberland County Council’s leader has won his claim for unfair dismissal.
Nigel Riley, 47, was dismissed by the authority following an internal investigation, after it was discovered he delivered sand to help a colleague who was building a new driveway at the Blyth home of the then council leader, Bill Brooks.
Now – following a Newcastle hearing in June – an employment tribunal has ruled that Mr Riley, who lives in Cramlington, was unfairly dismissed.
Last night the county council said it would appeal – and rejected any suggestion that it had tried to protect Coun Brooks during its internal investigation.
Mr Riley and his colleague Joe Fletcher, who had been commissioned by Coun Brooks’ wife to build the new driveway, were both sacked for gross misconduct after the affair – which happened in 2005 and involved the use of a council lorry – came to light.
Coun Brooks said he had been completely unaware that county council employees were involved in the job, and the two men did not realise they were working at the home of the council leader.
At the tribunal hearing, Mr Riley’s solicitor, Robert Gibson, claimed internal investigators at the county council had initially been refused permission by executive officers to question Coun Brooks in their 250 hours of investigation.
He said: “The council’s own actions prejudiced their own investigation.”
Mr Riley said he was never told what the investigation was focusing on and said he was simply helping a friend on the way home from work.
He said last night: “I was highly delighted with the decision of the tribunal in unanimously finding that I had been unfairly dismissed.
“I am disappointed with the attitude of Northumberland County Council who seem unwilling to accept this verdict.”
His wife Lynne said: “A lot of questions should be asked about how much this cost. They followed my husband for months.”
Last night a county council spokesman said: “We are surprised and disappointed by the tribunal judgment and are lodging an appeal against this decision. Following a complaint by a member of the public alleging inappropriate use of a council vehicle for non-council purposes, two staff were disciplined and dismissed for gross misconduct. Mr Riley was also accused of breaches of the council’s code of conduct.
“We took this allegation very seriously and launched a full investigation.
“The tribunal did find that Mr Riley assisted in the misuse of a council vehicle, and claimed overtime payment when he was not actually working for the council. The council believes that this amounts to a serious breach of trust between employer and employee, and we take the view that this is a highly inappropriate way for any member of staff to behave.
“We completely refute any suggestion the council was trying to protect Coun Brooks during the investigation.
“A full investigation was carried out and he was interviewed.
“The claimant did not allege, and the tribunal did not find, that Coun Brooks was involved in anything untoward. Neither did our investigation show this.”
Coun Brooks, who has since given up the leader’s post, said: “I knew nothing about the identity of this worker and I didn’t have any reason to suspect a link to the council. My wife rang him when he was recommended to her. I was in favour of a full investigation.
“I was glad to co-operate fully with the internal investigation, which I did. The person who reported this did right. I take what has happened very seriously. The public need to have confidence and trust in public servants.”
Worker wins sacking row
Sep 14 2007
by Dave Black, The Journal
A HIGHWAYS foreman who was sacked after allegedly moonlighting at the home of Northumberland County Council’s leader has won his claim for unfair dismissal.
Nigel Riley, 47, was dismissed by the authority following an internal investigation, after it was discovered he delivered sand to help a colleague who was building a new driveway at the Blyth home of the then council leader, Bill Brooks.
Now – following a Newcastle hearing in June – an employment tribunal has ruled that Mr Riley, who lives in Cramlington, was unfairly dismissed.
Last night the county council said it would appeal – and rejected any suggestion that it had tried to protect Coun Brooks during its internal investigation.
Mr Riley and his colleague Joe Fletcher, who had been commissioned by Coun Brooks’ wife to build the new driveway, were both sacked for gross misconduct after the affair – which happened in 2005 and involved the use of a council lorry – came to light.
Coun Brooks said he had been completely unaware that county council employees were involved in the job, and the two men did not realise they were working at the home of the council leader.
At the tribunal hearing, Mr Riley’s solicitor, Robert Gibson, claimed internal investigators at the county council had initially been refused permission by executive officers to question Coun Brooks in their 250 hours of investigation.
He said: “The council’s own actions prejudiced their own investigation.”
Mr Riley said he was never told what the investigation was focusing on and said he was simply helping a friend on the way home from work.
He said last night: “I was highly delighted with the decision of the tribunal in unanimously finding that I had been unfairly dismissed.
“I am disappointed with the attitude of Northumberland County Council who seem unwilling to accept this verdict.”
His wife Lynne said: “A lot of questions should be asked about how much this cost. They followed my husband for months.”
Last night a county council spokesman said: “We are surprised and disappointed by the tribunal judgment and are lodging an appeal against this decision. Following a complaint by a member of the public alleging inappropriate use of a council vehicle for non-council purposes, two staff were disciplined and dismissed for gross misconduct. Mr Riley was also accused of breaches of the council’s code of conduct.
“We took this allegation very seriously and launched a full investigation.
“The tribunal did find that Mr Riley assisted in the misuse of a council vehicle, and claimed overtime payment when he was not actually working for the council. The council believes that this amounts to a serious breach of trust between employer and employee, and we take the view that this is a highly inappropriate way for any member of staff to behave.
“We completely refute any suggestion the council was trying to protect Coun Brooks during the investigation.
“A full investigation was carried out and he was interviewed.
“The claimant did not allege, and the tribunal did not find, that Coun Brooks was involved in anything untoward. Neither did our investigation show this.”
Coun Brooks, who has since given up the leader’s post, said: “I knew nothing about the identity of this worker and I didn’t have any reason to suspect a link to the council. My wife rang him when he was recommended to her. I was in favour of a full investigation.
“I was glad to co-operate fully with the internal investigation, which I did. The person who reported this did right. I take what has happened very seriously. The public need to have confidence and trust in public servants.”
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
We urge County Councillors to call this in
Members not told of late changes to county 's unitary council bid
County council headquarters, County Hall in Morpeth.
By ANNA SMITH
LAST minute changes were made to the bid for a 'New Northumberland' without councillors' approval, it has emerged.
Members were dismayed to learn the proposal for a single unitary authority for the county was altered just days before the final deadline for submissions.And Castle Morpeth Council leader Peter Jackson, who is also a member of Northumberland County Council which put forward the bid, has complained that councillors were kept in the dark about the changes.Read more ...Services may be moved southAssets to be soldNow he has warned the new document could have far-reaching consequences as it outlines plans to sell-off £139m of assets and move some services to Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire."We in the districts consulted widely on our plans for two unitary councils, but unfortunately the county council did not consult widely on the bid for a single unitary," he said."What it did was change the submission fundamentally just a few days before the end of the consultation stage."There was no consultation about these changes because there was no time to do it."They haven't even got the democratic
legitimacy of the county councillors."A county council spokeswoman said the submission was not changed, but further work was added in line with government regulations."Northumberland County Council did not change its submission to a new proposal."As permitted during the Government's consultation phase, further development work was carried out and more information was provided by the council in support of the original proposals."All of the documents are publicly available on our website," she said.The government approved the submission for a single unitary authority for Northumberland in July, agreeing to scrap the existing six district bodies and the county council.However, district authorities in Castle Morpeth, Blyth Valley, Alnwick and Berwick are challenging the legality of the reorganisation, arguing that the Secretary of State had no powers to make the decision.
Last Updated: 06 September 2007 12:07 PM
County council headquarters, County Hall in Morpeth.
By ANNA SMITH
LAST minute changes were made to the bid for a 'New Northumberland' without councillors' approval, it has emerged.
Members were dismayed to learn the proposal for a single unitary authority for the county was altered just days before the final deadline for submissions.And Castle Morpeth Council leader Peter Jackson, who is also a member of Northumberland County Council which put forward the bid, has complained that councillors were kept in the dark about the changes.Read more ...Services may be moved southAssets to be soldNow he has warned the new document could have far-reaching consequences as it outlines plans to sell-off £139m of assets and move some services to Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire."We in the districts consulted widely on our plans for two unitary councils, but unfortunately the county council did not consult widely on the bid for a single unitary," he said."What it did was change the submission fundamentally just a few days before the end of the consultation stage."There was no consultation about these changes because there was no time to do it."They haven't even got the democratic
legitimacy of the county councillors."A county council spokeswoman said the submission was not changed, but further work was added in line with government regulations."Northumberland County Council did not change its submission to a new proposal."As permitted during the Government's consultation phase, further development work was carried out and more information was provided by the council in support of the original proposals."All of the documents are publicly available on our website," she said.The government approved the submission for a single unitary authority for Northumberland in July, agreeing to scrap the existing six district bodies and the county council.However, district authorities in Castle Morpeth, Blyth Valley, Alnwick and Berwick are challenging the legality of the reorganisation, arguing that the Secretary of State had no powers to make the decision.
Last Updated: 06 September 2007 12:07 PM
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Well, the very thing that people in Northumberland feared has been announced.
The Government has ignored the public. MPs and councillors in Northumberland and have gone for the single unitary.
The ‘brand new council’ trumpeted by Peter Hillman is about to be forced on the people of Northumberland by one of the most vilified leaderships we have yet to see.
With the submission to the DCLG changed and changed again by Mark Henderson he has committed the council to an elected Leader/ Mayor and an elected Cabinet – against the vote earlier this year by the Labour group and against the document approved by the Council.
But we are talking about Hillman struggling for his very existence.
He must realise by now that he is the most unpopular person in his ward at the moment, not least of which with his own wards party.
Now ‘FOLLYS’ has heard that officers (Jill D?) have been trying to persuade the DCLG to forgo elections next year with a continuing authority, which will keep the ruling group in place until 2009.
A continuing authority scenario does away with the façade of a NEW COUNCIL, with new elections and an elected leader.
Has Peter lied again to the public? Reply to us Peter and we will print your reply!
The ‘brand new council’ trumpeted by Peter Hillman is about to be forced on the people of Northumberland by one of the most vilified leaderships we have yet to see.
With the submission to the DCLG changed and changed again by Mark Henderson he has committed the council to an elected Leader/ Mayor and an elected Cabinet – against the vote earlier this year by the Labour group and against the document approved by the Council.
But we are talking about Hillman struggling for his very existence.
He must realise by now that he is the most unpopular person in his ward at the moment, not least of which with his own wards party.
Now ‘FOLLYS’ has heard that officers (Jill D?) have been trying to persuade the DCLG to forgo elections next year with a continuing authority, which will keep the ruling group in place until 2009.
A continuing authority scenario does away with the façade of a NEW COUNCIL, with new elections and an elected leader.
Has Peter lied again to the public? Reply to us Peter and we will print your reply!
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Peter Hillman goes against his Labour Party in Blyth, the Labour Party in Blyth oppose this academy
The Guardian is not a paper that we in Follys normally subscribe to except on a freebie via the internet, as we do scour all news for our readers edification.
One article on the demise of the Academy proposed for Blyth caused us to choke on our collective coffees and rush out to buy Wednesdays copy to read the education supplement.
We have a planted story from the County with a dire warning from that elder statesman, Peter Hillman. A warning that a two unitary outcome would bring about Armageddon, the collapse of the walls of Jericho.
The basis of this scare. If the people of Northumberland got what they wanted, a two unitary solution to the county councils problems then the Academy would not go ahead which would sound the death knell for any Academy anywhere in Northumberland.
Peter goes on to state that you would have the vision of Labour members stopping Academies!
This is arrogant nonsense from someone who should know better.
As Dave Stephens stated in the article, WE believe they thought there was going to be no right to reply, this one academy is in the wrong place for the wrong reasons and at the wrong time.
Apart from anything else it is Labour party policy in Blyth Valley to oppose this academy.this is policy wrought from a very good debate not attended by Hillman or Brooks.
Marky Hendersons new approach is to bring pressure to bear on Dfes to support the failing single council cause, lest the academy turns turtle.
Now that’s desperate.
One article on the demise of the Academy proposed for Blyth caused us to choke on our collective coffees and rush out to buy Wednesdays copy to read the education supplement.
We have a planted story from the County with a dire warning from that elder statesman, Peter Hillman. A warning that a two unitary outcome would bring about Armageddon, the collapse of the walls of Jericho.
The basis of this scare. If the people of Northumberland got what they wanted, a two unitary solution to the county councils problems then the Academy would not go ahead which would sound the death knell for any Academy anywhere in Northumberland.
Peter goes on to state that you would have the vision of Labour members stopping Academies!
This is arrogant nonsense from someone who should know better.
As Dave Stephens stated in the article, WE believe they thought there was going to be no right to reply, this one academy is in the wrong place for the wrong reasons and at the wrong time.
Apart from anything else it is Labour party policy in Blyth Valley to oppose this academy.this is policy wrought from a very good debate not attended by Hillman or Brooks.
Marky Hendersons new approach is to bring pressure to bear on Dfes to support the failing single council cause, lest the academy turns turtle.
Now that’s desperate.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Mark Henderson Reorganisation
The latest in the saga of reorganisation is the 'further evidence' submitted by Mark Henderson and Jill Dixon.
This is available on the NCC website and is a tribute to the manipulative skills of Mark.
The NCC submission for a continuing council now contains proposals for an elected Mayor and Cabinet.
What happened to the Labour Group decision you ask, to have a leader selected from the group.
Peter Hillman says he will talk to you all about this 'volte-face' and has put his 'political weight' behind convincing you to take this very bitter pill.
I hope the lions led by donkeys will suitably kick him into touch.
There is also reference to the reduction of personnel down to 200 which will be done in consulattion with the workforce and unions.
Read the document its too much to print on this blog, but it is as devious a document as you could wish for!
This is available on the NCC website and is a tribute to the manipulative skills of Mark.
The NCC submission for a continuing council now contains proposals for an elected Mayor and Cabinet.
What happened to the Labour Group decision you ask, to have a leader selected from the group.
Peter Hillman says he will talk to you all about this 'volte-face' and has put his 'political weight' behind convincing you to take this very bitter pill.
I hope the lions led by donkeys will suitably kick him into touch.
There is also reference to the reduction of personnel down to 200 which will be done in consulattion with the workforce and unions.
Read the document its too much to print on this blog, but it is as devious a document as you could wish for!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Hold the front page!
Follys has found thet the next Full Council is going to be a regular bear-pit of a meeting.
Members from both sides are wanting their say on the authorisation of lobbyists money, the hinderance of auditors at County Hall and the recent policy on the hoof announcements by Peter Hillman.
There is also to be a humongeous row over the orphin of the executive that unwanted sacred cow the all age academy! (sorry about mixing metaphors).
Follys will be there to report back - as will all the press we presume.
Members from both sides are wanting their say on the authorisation of lobbyists money, the hinderance of auditors at County Hall and the recent policy on the hoof announcements by Peter Hillman.
There is also to be a humongeous row over the orphin of the executive that unwanted sacred cow the all age academy! (sorry about mixing metaphors).
Follys will be there to report back - as will all the press we presume.
Monday, June 25, 2007
As we were first with the Chief Whips Email , Watch this space
COMING UP ON ‘FOLLYS’
The saga of Billys faux pas with patios continues.
As we have always said it is not the free patio that we mind as much as the attempts to deceive.
Follys has information that evidence has come to light of Billy instigating and allowing the building of his patio.
Perhaps the press are looking in the wrong place for evidence, or the wrong employee.
Perhaps, just perhaps fellow councillors should ask Hillman and Brooks what they knew of the episode prior to January 2006 and who stopped the investigation.
When we have the copy and e-mails delivered to us we will print.
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!
The saga of Billys faux pas with patios continues.
As we have always said it is not the free patio that we mind as much as the attempts to deceive.
Follys has information that evidence has come to light of Billy instigating and allowing the building of his patio.
Perhaps the press are looking in the wrong place for evidence, or the wrong employee.
Perhaps, just perhaps fellow councillors should ask Hillman and Brooks what they knew of the episode prior to January 2006 and who stopped the investigation.
When we have the copy and e-mails delivered to us we will print.
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Peter Hilmans TV interview
Hillman must have thought his chance had finally come, free reign to put his views across on television.Did anyone see his cringing performance.
First from a set piece, obviously prepared by his officers he told us all that he needed publicity to inform the public what the COUNTY did.
If they havn't got a clue by now then its a bit late.
Then he went on to deny that lobbyists were being paid £30,000 a shot to argue the case for a single council with Westminster.
He had to do that for no MP would sponser their bid.
BUT after denying the £30,000 he refused to say how much public money he was paying!
All he would say was that it wasn't the £30,000 that was being bandied about and that client confidentiallity ruled that he couldn't say how much he was paying.
This is public money and anyway who is the client IT IS THE COUNCIL WHICH IS ALSO THE PUBLIC.
Come clean Mr Hillman how much are you wasting on southern lobbyists?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Foreman Hits back at Northumberland County Council. Internal investigators were bannned from questioning the leader of Northumberland County Council
Foreman hits back at council
Jun 22 2007
By The Journal
A highways foreman sacked for misconduct claims he is simply a convenient scapegoat after it was revealed internal investigators were banned from questioning the leader of Northumberland County Council.
Nigel Riley was accused of helping a colleague moonlight as a driveway fitter. They had used a works van while delivering sand to then council leader Bill Brooks' home.
The pair did not know Coun Brooks was their boss and the former leader has never been accused of any involvement in the "embarrassing incident."
But the council refused their own staff permission to include Coun Brooks in their 250 hours of investigation.
At a tribunal hearing in Newcastle on Thursday Mr Riley said he must have been a mug for delivering the sand and claimed to have no memory of the day.
In closing arguments Robert Gibson, for Mr Riley, said: "The council's own actions prejudiced their own investigation."
He disagreed with the council's claim that Mr Riley had misled investigators and said the internal audit team was hindered from the moment they received photographs showing the foreman and a co-worker unloading the sand.
Mr Gibson: "They received an email on September 20 2005. Within days the chief executive had spoken to Mr Brooks about that matter.
"We do not know what was said but presumably Mr Brooks was made aware of the allegations.
"The cat was out of the bag. The audit team was given a restricted brief which said nothing more and nothing less than find the lorry in the picture and find the men in the picture.
"Now, it is as clear as the nose on your face that where you should start is with Coun Brooks."
On September 28 that year investigators were denied permission to interview Coun Brooks by officers on the executive team.
Mr Gibson added: "The local authority was responsible for the delay."
Within weeks of the investigators meeting Coun Brooks in January 2006 the council had enough evidence to start disciplinary hearings against the two men.
Joe Fletcher, who was hired to do the work by Mrs Brooks, admitted moonlighting and using council property.
Mr Riley says he was never told what the investigation was focusing on and was simply helping a friend on the way home form work.
The tribunal bench is expected to return a decision after July 17.
Jun 22 2007
By The Journal
A highways foreman sacked for misconduct claims he is simply a convenient scapegoat after it was revealed internal investigators were banned from questioning the leader of Northumberland County Council.
Nigel Riley was accused of helping a colleague moonlight as a driveway fitter. They had used a works van while delivering sand to then council leader Bill Brooks' home.
The pair did not know Coun Brooks was their boss and the former leader has never been accused of any involvement in the "embarrassing incident."
But the council refused their own staff permission to include Coun Brooks in their 250 hours of investigation.
At a tribunal hearing in Newcastle on Thursday Mr Riley said he must have been a mug for delivering the sand and claimed to have no memory of the day.
In closing arguments Robert Gibson, for Mr Riley, said: "The council's own actions prejudiced their own investigation."
He disagreed with the council's claim that Mr Riley had misled investigators and said the internal audit team was hindered from the moment they received photographs showing the foreman and a co-worker unloading the sand.
Mr Gibson: "They received an email on September 20 2005. Within days the chief executive had spoken to Mr Brooks about that matter.
"We do not know what was said but presumably Mr Brooks was made aware of the allegations.
"The cat was out of the bag. The audit team was given a restricted brief which said nothing more and nothing less than find the lorry in the picture and find the men in the picture.
"Now, it is as clear as the nose on your face that where you should start is with Coun Brooks."
On September 28 that year investigators were denied permission to interview Coun Brooks by officers on the executive team.
Mr Gibson added: "The local authority was responsible for the delay."
Within weeks of the investigators meeting Coun Brooks in January 2006 the council had enough evidence to start disciplinary hearings against the two men.
Joe Fletcher, who was hired to do the work by Mrs Brooks, admitted moonlighting and using council property.
Mr Riley says he was never told what the investigation was focusing on and was simply helping a friend on the way home form work.
The tribunal bench is expected to return a decision after July 17.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
We told you so, the saga of Bill Brooks patio and sand
Folly is sorry but we did tell you that the whole sorry saga of Bills patio was going to rear up and bit the collective bum at County Hall!
Follys now hears that following the revelations at the tribunal and the evidence given by the internal auditor for County, that a call to PLOD is being considered instead of to the Ombudsman.
Lets pick out the reason behind this.
The original complaint that Bill Brooks was using council labour to do a ‘govvy job’, is one thing – to hinder a subsequent investigation is another.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
No ‘ifs’ no ‘buts’, the actions of certain individuals hindered the investigation by an auditor.
Lamentable you might say, we might say look at the law!
Malfeasance in public office is against the law, is it not.?
Surely delaying an investigation by several months is wrong?
A public enquiry is needed to bring back a semblance of respect for the County Council. Until then a few people should be suspended, unless of course the auditor is wrong!
We await the out come with baited breath!
Follys now hears that following the revelations at the tribunal and the evidence given by the internal auditor for County, that a call to PLOD is being considered instead of to the Ombudsman.
Lets pick out the reason behind this.
The original complaint that Bill Brooks was using council labour to do a ‘govvy job’, is one thing – to hinder a subsequent investigation is another.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
No ‘ifs’ no ‘buts’, the actions of certain individuals hindered the investigation by an auditor.
Lamentable you might say, we might say look at the law!
Malfeasance in public office is against the law, is it not.?
Surely delaying an investigation by several months is wrong?
A public enquiry is needed to bring back a semblance of respect for the County Council. Until then a few people should be suspended, unless of course the auditor is wrong!
We await the out come with baited breath!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
The ex leader of the Northumberland County Council Bill Brooks delayed the investigation into work at his home , Mr Walker "It did"
Jun 20 2007
By Adrian Pearson, The Journal
A highways foreman who was dismissed for moonlighting told an employment tribunal yesterday he has no memory of the day he was caught delivering sand to a council leader's home.
Nigel Riley was sacked by Northumberland County Council in April last year after being photographed using his council lorry to deliver sand to a house in Newsham, Blyth, in 2005.
Mr Riley and co-worker Joe Fletcher did not know that the house in Chillingham Close was home to then county council leader Bill Brooks.
Coun Brooks has always denied being anything other than an innocent party in the embarrassing incident but the tribunal was told internal auditors were "hindered" in their investigation initially by orders not to interview the leader.
Coun Brooks' wife had hired Fletcher to do the work - not knowing he worked for the council and neither of the highways employees had met the councillor before.
Mr Riley, 47, of Cramlington, yesterday denied any involvement in the private construction business run by Fletcher, who was fired after admitting using council property for secondary employment.
The council, represented by Paul Cape, claim Mr Riley lied during an interview in February 2006 when asked if he had ever done any work "on the side". Mr Riley claimed he was never told of the specific allegations and assumed he was being investigated for stealing sand.
When he was handed pictures that appeared to show him shovelling sand off a lorry on June 24, he said they were too blurred for him to recognise himself.
He said: "Any delivery of sand to Coun Brooks' home on that day was without my consent. I had allowed a co-worker to use the lorry but my memory is blurred in relation to these events."
Mr Riley, who has worked for the council for more than 20 years, said that although he would drive the lorry to and from his home, he would let Fletcher use it to pick up deliveries during the day.
A receipt showed the material was picked up at 2.07pm by Fletcher when Mr Riley claimed he was working on a roundabout in Ashington. The receipt came to light after council officials allowed internal investigators to interview Coun Brooks.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.
By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.
When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
The tribunal continues.
By Adrian Pearson, The Journal
A highways foreman who was dismissed for moonlighting told an employment tribunal yesterday he has no memory of the day he was caught delivering sand to a council leader's home.
Nigel Riley was sacked by Northumberland County Council in April last year after being photographed using his council lorry to deliver sand to a house in Newsham, Blyth, in 2005.
Mr Riley and co-worker Joe Fletcher did not know that the house in Chillingham Close was home to then county council leader Bill Brooks.
Coun Brooks has always denied being anything other than an innocent party in the embarrassing incident but the tribunal was told internal auditors were "hindered" in their investigation initially by orders not to interview the leader.
Coun Brooks' wife had hired Fletcher to do the work - not knowing he worked for the council and neither of the highways employees had met the councillor before.
Mr Riley, 47, of Cramlington, yesterday denied any involvement in the private construction business run by Fletcher, who was fired after admitting using council property for secondary employment.
The council, represented by Paul Cape, claim Mr Riley lied during an interview in February 2006 when asked if he had ever done any work "on the side". Mr Riley claimed he was never told of the specific allegations and assumed he was being investigated for stealing sand.
When he was handed pictures that appeared to show him shovelling sand off a lorry on June 24, he said they were too blurred for him to recognise himself.
He said: "Any delivery of sand to Coun Brooks' home on that day was without my consent. I had allowed a co-worker to use the lorry but my memory is blurred in relation to these events."
Mr Riley, who has worked for the council for more than 20 years, said that although he would drive the lorry to and from his home, he would let Fletcher use it to pick up deliveries during the day.
A receipt showed the material was picked up at 2.07pm by Fletcher when Mr Riley claimed he was working on a roundabout in Ashington. The receipt came to light after council officials allowed internal investigators to interview Coun Brooks.
Robert Gibson, representing Mr Riley, asked internal auditor Gary Walker: "Why did you not ascertain Mr Brooks' involvement?" Mr Walker said he had asked the director of finance on September 29 whether he should contact Coun Brooks but was told "he should not bother to do so." It was January, 2006, before Mr Walker spoke to Coun Brooks and received documents identifying Joe Fletcher as the contractor hired to build a driveway.
By that time the council leader had already spoken to Northumberland County Council chief executive Mark Henderson about the matter.
When asked if this delay hindered the investigation, Mr Walker replied: "It did. But I should say at this point we were trying to find out more general information."
The tribunal continues.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
And they say they care about folks, and this happens ?
06/2007 15:08
Health and Safety Executive (North East)
(HSE) Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and recycling firm fined after man loses leg
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today warned all those responsible for the care of vulnerable people to ensure they are not put at risk when taking part in work-related activities or training.
The warning comes after Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and a recycling company were all fined for their parts in an incident in 2005 which left a man with learning difficulties having his leg amputated.
The Council was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to beaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act). The Care Trust were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act and South East Northumberland Recycling Ltd (SENREC) were fined £10,000and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after also pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act at Bedlington Magistrates' Court.
HSE Inspector Martin Baillie said, "The injured man, Mr Simon Nelson, aged 38 at the time of the incident had learning difficulties and was a service user of the Horticultural Unit at Hepscott Park, Northumberland. The Unit was run by Northumberland County Council Social Services Directorate, and external management services, including administration of the budget, was carried out by Northumberland Care Trust. SENREC is a recycling company based at West Sleekburn, Northumberland.
"The HSE encourages sensible risk management. However, it cannot condone activities where vulnerable people are exposed to an unacceptable level of risk.
Mr Baillie explained the background to the case: "On a weekly basis a Day Centre Officer from Hepscott Park would take a transit van and collect recyclable material from around Hepscott Park and take it to SENREC, along with up to four other service users depending on the seating capacity of the van. Simon Nelson was a regular on these trips, which had been going on for a number of years.
"On 3 February 2005 while undertaking a regular trip to the SENREC plant at West Sleekburn with Melvin Robson, a Day Care Officer, Simon Nelson was struck by one or two falling recycled paper bales weighing around 800 kgs. He suffered two cracked vertebrae, damage to his right eye and later had his right leg amputated."
Health and Safety Executive (North East)
(HSE) Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and recycling firm fined after man loses leg
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today warned all those responsible for the care of vulnerable people to ensure they are not put at risk when taking part in work-related activities or training.
The warning comes after Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Care Trust and a recycling company were all fined for their parts in an incident in 2005 which left a man with learning difficulties having his leg amputated.
The Council was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to beaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act). The Care Trust were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act and South East Northumberland Recycling Ltd (SENREC) were fined £10,000and ordered to pay costs of £4,000 after also pleading guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the HSW Act at Bedlington Magistrates' Court.
HSE Inspector Martin Baillie said, "The injured man, Mr Simon Nelson, aged 38 at the time of the incident had learning difficulties and was a service user of the Horticultural Unit at Hepscott Park, Northumberland. The Unit was run by Northumberland County Council Social Services Directorate, and external management services, including administration of the budget, was carried out by Northumberland Care Trust. SENREC is a recycling company based at West Sleekburn, Northumberland.
"The HSE encourages sensible risk management. However, it cannot condone activities where vulnerable people are exposed to an unacceptable level of risk.
Mr Baillie explained the background to the case: "On a weekly basis a Day Centre Officer from Hepscott Park would take a transit van and collect recyclable material from around Hepscott Park and take it to SENREC, along with up to four other service users depending on the seating capacity of the van. Simon Nelson was a regular on these trips, which had been going on for a number of years.
"On 3 February 2005 while undertaking a regular trip to the SENREC plant at West Sleekburn with Melvin Robson, a Day Care Officer, Simon Nelson was struck by one or two falling recycled paper bales weighing around 800 kgs. He suffered two cracked vertebrae, damage to his right eye and later had his right leg amputated."
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Just a comment
Meanwhile Tony Reid, heading for possibly the shortest reign in history sattes that he will rely on the results of his consultation, done in private, with paid respondents (£75). And they called Westminster a gerrymandering council!!!!!
When you pay as much as the County is paying, from your pockets, you can be sure that in some way it will reflect Hillman and Brooks view of the world, however twisted.
Lets not be unsure on this point Brooks is still calling the shots with Davey behind him. Hillman is now a poppet sorry a puppet.
When you pay as much as the County is paying, from your pockets, you can be sure that in some way it will reflect Hillman and Brooks view of the world, however twisted.
Lets not be unsure on this point Brooks is still calling the shots with Davey behind him. Hillman is now a poppet sorry a puppet.
The people vote on the way foreward for us in Northumberland
Leader readers vote for two councils
One authority or two councils?
By ANTHONY McLEAN
NEWS POST LEADER readers have voted overwhelmingly for the creation of two new councils in Northumberland.
More than 90 per cent of people said they would like to see two unitary authorities created in the county in a rural urban split – a plan proposed by the six district councils and backed by the county's four MPs.Just 7.8 per cent of readers voted for Northumberland County Council's bid to create a single authority covering the whole of Northumberland.Over the last few weeks the News Post Leader, the Morpeth Herald and the Northumberland Gazette have been asking readers to give their opinions on the future of local government in Northumberland.We gave readers a simple choice – would they prefer to have one council or two councils.The poll closed on June 1 and just over 92 per cent of readers voted for the bid to create two councils – Rural Northumberland and South East Northumberland – to replace the current system of county and district authorities.The News Post Leader received just one e-mail from a supporter of the one-council option, as well as six posted response slips and 15 mobile text messages.Some 108 people
replied to the News Post Leader adding their support for the two-council option. A total of 378 people replied to all three newspapers backing the bid.Supporters said that they believe Northumberland is too large and diverse for one authority to serve its constituents, and that the districts are closer to the communities.
One Blyth reader suggested that Northumberland County Council has acted like a "draconian dictatorship" in the way it has closed residential care homes and schools.
Another reader, who did not back a specific bid, said both proposals would create "a few more layers of pen-pushers", while another reader questioned why the current system can not be made better.A total of 410 people responded to the survey, with 378 voting for the two-council bid and 32 voting for the one-council bid.The Government will end its consultation on the issue on June 22.
Last Updated: 07 June 2007
Last Updated: 07 June 2007
Saturday, June 02, 2007
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with
Taken from Local Gov.co.uk
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
Northumberland County Council does not just fail its people it also fails its businesses!
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
The first e-survey of regional tourism businesses in the North East has highlighted the growing importance of the internet to the visitor economy with over 80% of those questioned operating their own website. More than 600 tourism businesses took part in the survey (401 telephone and 255 online) designed to identify levels of ICT and e-business use in the region following the introduction of the Desti.ne, North East England’s e-business platform by One NorthEast. A total of 68% of telephone respondents said that e-business had helped boost business performance in the last three years and less than 20% felt that e-business was not relevant to them. The results showed there are still opportunities to raise awareness and give guidance on internet security and software and some 40% felt they did not have all the skills needed to make best use of e-business opportunities. The survey also highlighted significant variations between North East sub-regions in the percentage of businesses with their own website offering an online booking service. Tees Valley has the highest share of businesses offering online services at 48%; followed by County Durham with 40% and Tyne and Wear with 34% while. Northumberland has the lowest proportion at just 12%. One NorthEast has already said it will repeat the survey over the next three years to measure the region’s capability and assess the impact the introduction of Desti.ne has had. Louise Davis, head of tourism at One NorthEast said: “It is encouraging to see that a significant number of tourism businesses are already switched on to the potential of e-business. “UK residents spent £1.8bn on holidays over the internet in 2006, up 65% since 2003 and this figure is growing all the time. In an increasingly competitive market place it is vital that the region is well represented online.
Northumberland County Council does not just fail its people it also fails its businesses!
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